Latvian Orchestra Announces November Concerts honoring National Identity and Remembrance
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The “Rīga†orchestra will celebrate Latvia’s national holidays and days of remembrance this November with a series of concerts designed to evoke feelings of freedom, strength, and belonging. The performances, featuring both established and newly commissioned works by Latvian composers, offer a powerful reflection on the nation’s history and cultural identity.
Commemorating LÄ Ä plĔš Day with “In the Light of Freedomâ€
On November 11, 2025, the orchestra, under the direction of conductor ArtÅ«rs oskars Mitrevics, will present “In the Light of Freedom†at the riga Lutheran Church in Torņkaln. This concert specifically commemorates LÄ Ä plĔš Day,honoring the soldiers who fought for Latvia’s freedom. The program will showcase pieces like “Tango†by ArtÅ«rs Maskats, “Saga†by ilona Breħa, and “Palatine Festivity†from Rihards Zaļupes’ symphony suite for wind orchestra.
A particularly noteworthy addition to the program is “Purva vaishma,†a new composition created specifically for this concert by Santa Ratniece. The composer, recognized internationally for her work, currently resides in Austria but drew inspiration from her homeland for this piece. “Living far away from Latvia,I wanted to conjure up in the sounds the swamp landscape that is unique to latvia,†Ratniece explained. She aims to capture the sounds of latvian nature — the cries of cranes, the calls of deer, and the rustling of wind — within the orchestral arrangement, featuring a prominent solo accordion performed by ArtÅ«rs Novik. The concert will also be broadcast live on Latvian Radio 3 “Klasika.â€
Celebrating Latvian Independence with “Latvijas sanku rakstiâ€
The November 18th concert, “Latvijas sanku raksti,†will mark the 107th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia. This performance at the VEF Culture Palace will explore the polyphony of modern Latvian music and culture through contemporary compositions.
The program includes “Four Impressions†by MÄ rtiņš Miļevskis, a composer and percussionist with the “RÄ«ga†orchestra, and “Caravan†by Andras SÄ”jÄ ns, which references the finale of Joseph Haydn’s “Farewell Symphony.†A premiere performance will feature “Maiden Voyage†by guitarist and composer MÄ raÄ s AuzÄ«ns, his first work written for a wind orchestra.
AuzÄ«ns expressed his enthusiasm for the project,noting that he embraced the challenge of composing for a wind orchestra with “true musical enthusiasm.†He intends to blend conventional orchestral sounds with influences from jazz,“fusion,†Scandinavian minimalism,and “fingerstyle†guitar. He will share the stage with his brother, KÄ rli Auziņš, who will contribute improvisational elements to the performance. Cultural journalist and musicologist Liene Jakovljeva will serve as the concert’s host.
Accessing the Concerts
Free invitations for “Light of Freedom†will be available for pickup starting November 4, 2025, at 10:00 at the “Ticket Paradise†box office and online. Invitations for “Sounds of Latvia†will be available beginning November 11, 2025, at 10:00, also at “Ticket Paradise†and online. Further facts on all public holiday events in Riga can be found on the website kultura.riga.lv, and on social media pages dedicated to “RÄ«ga†and “what’s happening in Riga.â€
